Stinging Nettle
Also known as: Urtica dioica · Common Nettle
Causes skin burns — handle with care
When & where
Germination
Spacing & depth
How to plant
Sow seed in well-drained mix at the recommended depth. Keep evenly moist and provide bright light after germination. Harden off before transplanting outdoors.
Pre-sow treatment
Sow on surface; 30 days cold stratification improves germination.
Grower's tip
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) — nutritious perennial herb; handle with gloves to avoid stinging hairs.
Soil preferences
Light, well-drained loam. Most culinary herbs suffer in soggy soil.
6.0–7.5 (neutral)
A single fork of finished compost at planting is plenty — over-feeding weakens flavor.
Watering
Consistent moisture while young; let the top inch dry between waterings once established.
Water at the base in the morning to keep leaves dry and prevent mildew.
Overwatered: yellow lower leaves, damp-smelling soil, wilt that doesn't rebound. Underwatered: crispy tips, purple stems, sudden bolting.
Either works — Bottom-water seedlings and potted herbs (set the pot in a tray of water 10–15 min, then drain). Once established, top-water at the soil line. Keep foliage dry on Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, oregano) to prevent mildew.
Temperature tolerance
65–85°F (18–29°C) ideal
55–65°F (13–18°C)
Most annual herbs are frost-tender; perennial herbs (sage, thyme, oregano, mint) tolerate frost once established.
Container growing
Yes — great in containers
6–10 in (15–25 cm) wide, minimum 6 in deep
Herbs thrive in pots — group by water needs (Mediterranean herbs on the drier side, basil/parsley/cilantro on the wetter).
Detailed harvesting
Nothing here is harvested for the kitchen. Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection for any cutting, and wash tools, clothes and skin afterwards.
Post-harvest storage & preservation
Air-dry small bundles upside-down in a dark airy spot, or freeze chopped in olive oil in ice-cube trays. Store dried leaves whole in a jar; crush just before use.
Culinary, medicinal & other uses
Ornamental only — the sap burns skin. Handle in gloves and long sleeves, and never bring cuttings indoors or into the kitchen.
Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.
Seed saving
Mostly insect-pollinated; some (basil, mint) self-pollinate.
Isolate different varieties of the same species by 150 ft or cage/bag flower heads to keep strains true.
Let one plant flower fully; harvest brown, dry seed heads into a paper bag; rub free and store dry.
Your zone's planting calendar
Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for stinging nettle in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.
My Stinging Nettle notes
Stinging Nettle seeds on hand
Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.
Par level — leave at 0 for no alert. Anything below par shows on Seed Starting and your shopping list.
Order more seeds
Running low? Reorder from one of these seed stores.
Loading…